Jay Lagare – Page 256

Appleseed

By Jay Lagare on Sunday, September 4, 2005

My friend Jeremy and I were originally actually planning on watching Ghost In The Shell 2. However when we got to the ticket booth, we learned that it has been canceled. So we decided to watch Appleseed instead. It turned out to be a decision I won’t ever regret: This movie is simply awesome! One of the best things about anime is the extreme intensity of the action sequences, live action sequences just can’t compare. The [what seems to be mixed] artwork and CG is beautiful and detailed. The movie has almost everything I could ask for in a movie: weaponry, soldiers (including the hot warrioress Deunan Knute), battlesuit (Landmates), vehicles, and mecha (mobile fortress)! And it actually has a story that could bring shame to more than a few Hollywood movies. If you’re an anime fan, you definitely should not miss this. If you’re not, do try to see it. You might understand what I’m raving about.

Rating: 5/5

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Range Day

By Jay Lagare on Saturday, September 3, 2005

A bunch of friends (Dutch, Bishop, Spook, Currahee, Keyser, Ompong) from Team Fenris and I headed over to Malabon for a real-steel session today. We rendezvoused at Dutch’s office before heading over to the range. It was quite a long trip, mainly because of the traffic, and we were quite itching to get it on by the time we finally got there. We wasted no time and geared up right away. Unfortunately, it rained almost as soon as we got there. We went on but it wasn’t as great as it could have been with the sun out.

There were several shorts and two longs available for the day. Most numerous were the Glocks: 2 plain vanilla Glock 19s, 1 ported-barrel Glock 19C, and 1 Glock 17 with a full-auto attachment. Then there was a Colt CAR-15, an H&K MP5A3, an H&K USP45 Compact, and a Para-Ordnance P14. There was also tons of rounds.

I handled mainly the Glocks. As usual, they were rugged, reliable, functional, and reasonably accurate. I also tried the Glock 17 in full-auto. I found the recoil, even for controlled bursts, to be horrendous. This led to quite substantial muzzle rise. Full-auto is definitely a waste of rounds especially in shorts.

I found the CAR-15 to be light and easy to handle especially since I’m familiar with the Tokyo-Marui version (which is heavier, BTW). However it was horribly inaccurate. At one point, we were expending dozens of rounds on a plastic bottle positioned around 50m away. Only two actually found the mark. Dutch thinks it could have been the recoil buffer spring.

On the other hand, the other long, the Heckler and Koch MP5A3 was a dream. Although it was surprisingly a bit heavier than the CAR-15, it was more stable and easier to handle. It was also very accurate. Point, squeeze, and the steel plate is down. Usually.

I was, however, most effective with the Para-Ordnance P14, in most cases I was putting down steel plates with just one round. I wonder though if it’s because of accuracy or because the rounds have more power compared to niners.

The USP45 I wasn’t able to try. I was too busy trying out everything else that I only realized I haven’t tried it toward the end of the session. By then my hand was already sore and tired. Maybe the next time around.

All in all, it was a great experience and we all had fun. We even learned quite a few things from the range master. Can’t wait till the next session.

General

Surefire G2 Nitrolon

By Jay Lagare on Friday, August 26, 2005

Surefire is known for one thing: personal tactical lights. The G2 is the economy version of the classic 6P. Unlike the 6P, which is made of aircraft-grade aluminum, the G2 is made of Nitrolon, a lightweight, corrosion-proof and non-conductive synthetic material. So although it is less durable than the 6P, it comes quite close. You still get the same bright pre-focused beam Surefire is known for. In fact, they share the same lamp assembly. Very good for activities in the dark. Of course, there is a price to pay for the bright light: The 2 CR123 battery cells last only an hour and can be quite expensive. But then again, tactical lights were never meant for searching. That’s why the primary way to activate it is via a tailcap button that you press and hold for momentary illumination. You can have constant illumination by twisting the tailcap though. Lastly, this light is only splash-proof and not waterproof so don’t go around scuba diving with it.

Rating: 4/5

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PLDT = Stupid

By Jay Lagare on Friday, August 19, 2005

A few months ago, my housemates and I received a billing statement from PLDT which included an international long distance call which we did not make. Of course we disputed the statement by sending a letter to PLDT. We didn’t hear anything about the issue until the other day when a letter from PLDT arrived. It says that according to their records, an international long distance call was indeed made. Now wait a minute! Aren’t we disputing exactly that record? Sheesh! X-(

UPDATE: PLDT has disconnected our line. Fine! POTS is so yesterday anyway :P

General

Leatherman Wave

By Jay Lagare on Sunday, August 14, 2005

One of the most useful tools you can carry around is a knife. But not too far in running would be pliers. And pliers are exactly the main selling point of the Leatherman Wave. This 100% stainless steel multi-tool has long-nose pliers that you can access by simply opening the handle. The grip edges are rounded for a comfortable grip which fixes a problem with earlier Leatherman models. In addition, it has 4 locking blades that are accessible without having to open the handle: A plain-edge clip-point blade, a serrated sheepsfoot blade, a wood saw, and a metal saw with nail and metal files on each side. These blades have liner locks to prevent inadvertent closing. Inside the handle you get a few more goodies: a Philips screwdriver, a can/bottle opener, scissors, and 4(!) flat screwdrivers of various sizes. My only complaint is that the Wave seems to have overly many flat screwdrivers. Replacing on of those with maybe a smaller Philips screwdriver would have been better. But I guess you can get the separately available tool adapter which gives you a few more screwdrivers. All in all, it’s a neat little package. It may be a bit heavy and big for pocket carry, so you will most probably be using the included belt-mountable sheath.

Rating: 5/5